"Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you'll be able to see farther."

I'm Alison.

A few years ago I was inspired to make differences in my life that will change me forever. This year is going to much of the same, but committed.

I desire to be much more healthy than I am -- it's not so much about my being overweight that's caused me to want to make these changes, but about realizing that according to my standards, I have a fairly unhealthy lifestyle.

I used to go to the gym -- and love it -- but I found enough excuses ...

I'm Alison.

A few years ago I was inspired to make differences in my life that will change me forever. This year is going to much of the same, but committed.

I desire to be much more healthy than I am -- it's not so much about my being overweight that's caused me to want to make these changes, but about realizing that according to my standards, I have a fairly unhealthy lifestyle.

I used to go to the gym -- and love it -- but I found enough excuses finally to end my membership. There wasn't one nearby my new residence, I didn't have the time, I didn't have a friend to go with, whatever. I quit going. But I have recently fixed that.

I don't eat fast food unless I have no other options. And haven't had a soda, or carbonated beverage (other than the occasional, and delicious, ice cold beer) for over ten years. I never add salt to foods and try to eat only fish and poultry (although I love a juicy steak from time to time). But none of these changes seem to have been enough for me.

I came back to Sparkpeople because it was working before. And because when I was unpacking a few boxes in the house I just bought (yay!) I found my book -- the Spark. And I am revisiting that to find my motivation.

I'm ready to make the change, I just need some help sticking to it.

As I made my way around the site, browsing profiles -- finding inspiration -- and getting involved in the forums, I realized many of the beautiful people here set much smaller goals for themselves as 'meantime achievements' between their current weight and their goal weight. I decided I would probably benefit from doing something like this as well.

Here we go . . .

Start weight: 228.0 218: kayaking trip/boat rental 208: out of necessity (I hope), a new pair jeans! 198: new lens for my Canon 30D (aka My Baby) 188: a day at the spa 180: a new bathing suit, maybe my first bikini, and a day in the springs, snorkeling, or at the beach.

That's a total of 48lbs. And I know I can do it.

I recognize that the key here is upping my activity, and journaling my developments. That's what I'm working on now.

- lose 48 pounds. - help and encourage others to obtain their goal weights. - be considered as a potential kidney donor for my sister should she ever need a new transplant. - be healthy enough to have an active lifestyle with my future husband and future kids.

My Program:
- eat healthier (raw fruits and veggies, no fast food at all, no-sugar added juices, remove most chocolate all together) - get back into working out three times a week and actually push myself to work out harder. - I need to go for walks and jogs around my neighborhood (not including dog walks). - journal each day to help identify patterns, triggers, obstacles, and motivation.

Personal Information:
My name is Alison. I'm a freelance photographer by night, banker by day..

My initial goal of getting into shape to potentially donate my kidney to my sister is not currently needed. She received a kidney from our cousin in February of 2010.

Seeing you active on here makes me happy :) I have deactivated my fb account temporarily so I don't get your updates anymore, but you are still in my thoughts. I'm glad to read things are good with you and I can't wait to read about your successes :)